6135R - Controversial Issues Regulations
In an attempt to assist teachers as they address controversial issues with their students, a list of "things to do" and "things not to do" are provided.
Teachers are encouraged to:
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Deal with controversial issues impartially and as objectively as possible.
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Handle all such topics in a manner suited to range of knowledge,
maturity, and competence of their students.
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Deal only with issues that are real problems both to the pupils and
teachers; they should be current and significant.
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Screen all teaching materials dealing with all possible aspects of the
topic and have them readily available.
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Bring out all the facts known concerning the issue.
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Provide the students with the tools of learning which they will need as
they face these issues as responsible citizens.
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Assist students to collect information, document facts, evaluate and
organize data and draw tentative conclusions.
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Assist students to identify propaganda vs. fact, undemocratic theory and practice vs. democratic procedure.
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Identify for students the skills of discussion, persuasion, negotiation, and arbitration.
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Make use of the scientific method, the method of inquiry, and group interaction.
Teachers are encouraged not to:
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Inject their own biases.
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Manufacture an issue; take up only those that are current and real.
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Expect a class to reach agreement.
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Try and handle a "hot" issue with which they are not informed and feel inadequate to handle.
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Give undue emphasis to a subject nor prolong it beyond its proper study.
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Use or manipulate students in any way to process grievances involving the teachers' organizations. The principal must keep himself informed of teaching situations, units, or projects relating to controversial issues which involve the instructional staff and students and take immediate action to control those situations not in keeping with School Board policies and regulations.
Approved: 6-9-70 ISD 709
Revised: 6-20-95
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